Wednesday, May 6, 2015

{ DESIGN POST }

Welcome to
the latest update of our designer profile series, where we get to know our lovely
designers a little bit better. This week we’re chatting to Imogen
Tunnicliffe

about her inspiration, creative process and a few of her favourite things!

With a
Masters in Fine Arts majoring in print and a background working in print making
and illustration, Imogen joined the Citta Design team in 2003 as the first
in-house designer for the brand...

Where/how did you
begin your career in design?

I actually majored in printmaking at art school, but have always
been interested in illustration and design. My first job in the textile-design realm was with Pumpkin Patch years ago, when I designed a space-man
print for boys' pyjamas, and a pumpkin plant height chart. In those days I did
everything by hand – computers were not on my radar! In between doing a
few exhibitions, illustrating some children's books and living overseas, a job
opportunity came up designing two days a week at Citta Design. I used to
sit out the back in a big room with paper, pencils and paints and come up with
ideas. It was wonderful! Over the years the marvels of The Adobe Creative
Suite have won me over and although my first love is still drawing and
illustrating, the use of the computer has enabled me to really push my designs.

Who or what inspires
you?

Similarly to most artists and designers, I am inspired by
anything interesting I see around me.

Colours and colour combinations really inspire me. The
other day I was at the petrol station and I looked back to Mt Eden and was inspired
by the pale minty green of a plaster building, offset by the dry green grass of
Mt Eden, and the deep green and khaki of a cabbage tree – a lovely tonal group
of greens that were the inspiration I needed for the colour palate I am putting
together at the moment for our next winter collection.

Also:

Great children's book illustrations, and stories

Mid century architecture and design

Alexander Girard

Marimekko

Frida Kahlo

Andy Warhol's early illustration and window displays

Sculpture

What does a typical
day at work involve for you?

It really varies depending on what time of year it is, but
it is always started with a morning coffee…

Currently, I am researching the ideas behind our next winter
collection. This involves coming up with the colour palette, deciding on our
design approach for the season and the angle we are taking, creating the
mood board and researching the background to the city or the country we have
chosen to inspire us. In fact there is quite a lot of thinking involved in my
job, which I really like.

A lot of my time is spent discussing ideas and designs with
the other designers… and hopefully giving helpful direction! We have a lot of
impromptu meetings too; it is a very open process, and everyone's opinions
matter.

Most days I am also working on my designs for the season as
well. This is a combination of being really creative, and also having to
do a lot of administration, like liaising with suppliers and solving problems
etc.

It is too hard to pick just one! I love the Ash and
Rain linen duvet covers, the Jolie print in gold on the leather coin purse, the
Diagonale gold and black striped cushion (especially when sitting with the
lilac velvet cushion!), the Blocs duvet cover, the Radial shelving… and the
brown poodle toy!

The colour combinations this season give me a real buzz too
– they are very alluring.

What does 'chic'
mean for you?

Being 'chic' is as much about how a woman holds herself and
conducts herself, as what she wears. It is an understated, classic elegance,
that is seemingly effortless.